| Summary, etc |
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fats in the liver, even in the absence of alcohol consumption. Recent research has connected NAFLD with increased levels of immunological cytokines, often indicative of liver inflammation. Additionally, an alarming increase in coagulation factors that predispose individuals to thrombotic <br/>events has been identified in NAFLD cases. This study delved into the impact of Ocimum basilicum in modulating blood coagulation and immunological factors in High-fat diet-induced NAFLD in rats. Thirty albino Wister rats were divided into six groups, Group I (normal control) received a standard rat diet. Group II (NAFLD control) was fed a High-fat diet (HFD), and groups III and IV were fed HFD alongside 100 mg/kg treatment of the O. basilicum plant extract. Group V received 200 mg/kg treatment, while group VI was treated with 20 mg/kg of Atorvastatin. HFD was given ad libitum for eight weeks, with administration of plant extract commencing in the fifth week and lasting for 21 days. The animals were sacrificed under anesthesia, and blood samples <br/>were collected via the jugular vein for the assessment of immunological and coagulation parameters. The result showed a dosage-dependent increase (p< 0.05) in Activated partial thromboplastin time, in plasma when compared to NAFLD control, however, the prothrombin time showed no significant differences (p> 0.05) among the groups when compared with NAFLD only.There was a decrease in Tumor necrosis factor-α levels in the serum of experimental rats, while no significant changes were recorded in interleukin-6- 6 levels when compared to the control. These findings, in conclusion, suggest that O. basilicum possesses an anticoagulant activity at a concentration of 200 mg/kg and may act as a potential therapeutic anticoagulant agent. O. basilicum may likely modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, further research is required for clarification.Keywords: Activated partial thromboplastin time, Atorvastatin, Inflammation, Interleukin6, Ocimum bacilicum, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha |
